Is this the end? GI’s playing future in doubt

by Staff writers

9th Apr 2019 3:00 PM

TALK about the playing future of Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis refuses to go away, with Fox Sports NRL reporter James Hooper saying "direct conversations" involving the Rabbitohs skipper have been held in recent days.

Inglis had an interrupted pre-season following neck surgery before he was struck down with a knee complaint.

The 32-year-old managed to take the field in rounds one and two before he was again sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Inglis announced back in January he'd retire from professional rugby league at the end of 2020, but there are fears his body won't hold up that long.

"There are some conversations going on at the moment that are just querying Greg's immediate future in the game whether he wants to continue playing or not," Hooper told The Big League Wrap on Fox League.

"We know he missed last week's game with an injury. We were told he had some food poisoning. I'm not sure whether Greg showed up at the game on Saturday or not.

"But certainly over the course of the last week, there's been some very direct conversations about Greg's immediate playing future.

"I think he's got a big decision to make. He's an ornament to the game, he's achieved everything there is to achieve in the game."

Greg Inglis at Rabbitohs training. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Inglis' Rabbitohs teammate Sam Burgess said he could understand the interest surrounding the Australia and Queensland superstar.

"It's a tough one because he's carrying a few niggles with his body, and because of who he is, Greg Inglis, he generates a lot of headlines. Everyone wants to know what he's doing," Burgess said.

"He's around training and he's doing his best to get in as best shape he can for the team.

"There is a lot of pressure being put on Greg externally at the moment. It could probably do with backing off a bit. He's probably not going to be playing in the next week or two.

"It's up to Greg with his body. He's got to be honest with how he's feeling and he'll make that call. We support him as a team, as a club. And as a game we should as well.

"We have to make sure we don't go too hard on him. Everyone's got some responsibility along the way as well."

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